estill county farm scoop · we will host ag agency update on monday, march 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the...

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Farmer’s Market Association Meeting The Estill County Farmer’s Market Association is looking for new members to grow produce to the market this summer. More vendors means more selection for patrons. If you are interested in learning more about the farmer’s market, please attend their next meeting on Wednesday, March 22nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Extension office. If you are interested in selling at the market and being able to accept senior vouchers, contact Farmer’s Market president Hannah Eaton at 726-0679. Soil Testing Farmers, gardeners, and homeowners should consider soil testing to determine what nutrients are in their soils and what nutrients are lacking that must be added for proper growth of crops, pasture, We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs of interest to Estill County farmers. The following agencies are attending: USDA-FSA, FSA Loans, NRCS, Estill County Conservation District, and UK Extension. This is a good opportunity to hear storm damage record-keeping recommendations, important cost-share programs, deadlines, and other efforts all in one place and close to home. In addition, there will be a chili supper provided so please pre-register. March 9th Cattlemen meeting focuses on forages Estill County Cattlemen’s Association and Extension are sponsoring a cattle producers meeting on Thursday, March 9, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. The focus for the meeting is forages for livestock including establishment. Guest speaker is Dan Masters of Caudill Seed Company. Meeting sponsors include Tri- County Fertilizer of Richmond and Caudill Seed. A meal will be provided so make sure to pre-register by March 7th. Low-Cost Berry Plants and More We will be taking orders for various plants to be delivered early April. If you are interested or have questions, call our office at 723-4557. Orders must be made and prepaid by March 20 th . Strawberry - Allstar or Earliglow $14.00 per hundred Blueberry - Patriot or Bluecrop $6.25 per plant Blackberry - Natchez $3.25 each Raspberry - Tulamagic $2.25 each Asparagus - Jersey Knight $1.25 per crown Onion - Candy $4.50 per bundle Agriculture Agency Update is March 6th Newsletter Title March 3, 2017 Estill County Farm Scoop Cooperave Extension Service Esll County 76 Golden Court Irvine, KY 40336 (606) 723-4557 Fax: (606) 723-5912 extension.ca.uky.edu We can help... Soil tesng Insect ID Disease ID Pond water tesng Livestock Raons Grain moisture tesng Farm visits Storm Damage Comment My heart goes out to all those who suffered damage in Wednesday’s storm. Several farms had damage including downed trees, flaened or damaged barns and fences, debris and other problems. Aſter discussing this situaon with Madison- Esll Farm Service Agency, it is suggested that farmers document damage with pictures, labor and repair receipts, and other records that can help prove the loss. If any assistance program is made available, proper documentaon will be necessary. If any livestock were lost due to the storm, FSA has a program in place that may offer assistance. Contact FSA at 859-624-1980.

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Page 1: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

Farmer’s Market Association Meeting

The Estill County Farmer’s

Market Association is

looking for new members

to grow produce to the

market this summer. More

vendors means more

selection for patrons. If

you are interested in

learning more about the

farmer’s market, please

attend their next meeting

on Wednesday, March

22nd, 7:00 p.m. at the

Extension office.

If you are interested in

selling at the market and

being able to accept senior

vouchers, contact Farmer’s

Market president Hannah

Eaton at 726-0679.

Soil Testing

Farmers, gardeners, and homeowners should consider soil testing to determine what nutrients are in their soils and what nutrients are lacking that must be added for proper growth of crops, pasture,

We will host Ag Agency

Update on Monday,

March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at

the Extension office.

Several agencies have

been asked to provide

information on programs

of interest to Estill County

farmers. The following

agencies are attending:

USDA-FSA, FSA Loans,

NRCS, Estill County

Conservation District, and

UK Extension.

This is a good

opportunity to

hear storm damage

record-keeping

recommendations,

important cost-share

programs, deadlines, and

other efforts all in one

place and close to home.

In addition, there will be a

chili supper provided so

please pre-register.

March 9th Cattlemen meeting focuses on forages

Estill County Cattlemen’s Association and Extension are sponsoring a cattle producers meeting on Thursday, March 9, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office.

The focus for the meeting is forages for livestock including establishment. Guest

speaker is Dan Masters of Caudill Seed Company. Meeting sponsors include Tri-County Fertilizer of Richmond and Caudill Seed. A meal will be provided so make sure to pre-register by March 7th.

Low-Cost Berry Plants and More

We will be taking orders for various plants to be delivered early April.

If you are interested or have questions, call our office at 723-4557.

Orders must be made and prepaid by March 20th.

Strawberry - Allstar or Earliglow $14.00 per hundred

Blueberry - Patriot or Bluecrop $6.25 per plant

Blackberry - Natchez $3.25 each

Raspberry - Tulamagic $2.25 each

Asparagus - Jersey Knight $1.25 per crown

Onion - Candy $4.50 per bundle

Agriculture Agency Update is March 6th

Newsletter Title

March 3, 2017

Estill County Farm Scoop Cooperative Extension Service Estill County 76 Golden Court Irvine, KY 40336 (606) 723-4557 Fax: (606) 723-5912 extension.ca.uky.edu

We can help...

Soil testing

Insect ID

Disease ID

Pond water testing

Livestock Rations

Grain moisture testing

Farm visits

Storm Damage

Comment

My heart goes out to all

those who suffered damage

in Wednesday’s storm.

Several farms had damage

including downed trees,

flattened or damaged barns

and fences, debris and

other problems.

After discussing this

situation with Madison-

Estill Farm Service Agency,

it is suggested that farmers

document damage with

pictures, labor and repair

receipts, and other records

that can help prove the

loss. If any assistance

program is made available,

proper documentation will

be necessary.

If any livestock were lost

due to the storm, FSA has a

program in place that may

offer assistance. Contact

FSA at 859-624-1980.

Page 2: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

vegetables, ornamentals, or lawns. Soil testing is a special chemical analysis that provides a guideline for lime and fertilizer needs of soils. Soil testing service is available to every Kentucky citizen through the University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service. We have soil sample bags and soil probes we can loan.

Estill County farmers can soil test through our office for FREE thanks to funding by the Estill County Extension District Board. Offer has some limitations. It takes about two weeks to get the results.

Routine tractor maintenance

Extension agricultural engineer Tim Stombaugh recommends that you shouldn't let maintenance of your tractor go by the wayside when you get busy. There’s a tendency to put maintenance on the back burner as spring and summer field activities get into full swing. Often when we do think about maintenance, it is the implement we think about, and we ignore the tractor.

A simple front-to-back routine every week can help you remember key maintenance points. The manufacturer will have suggested-intervals for

most of the maintenance tasks, so you won’t have to do everything every week. But the routine will prompt you to ask if it is time to do specific tasks.

Start with the front axles and steering. Is it time to grease those bearings and steering components? Make sure nothing is loose. Next, check the coolant system. Make sure the coolant levels are adequate. Make sure the radiator is not plugged up with debris.

Now, take a look at the belts. Make sure they have the right tension and that they are not cracked. This will prompt you to have a spare on hand. Look at the air cleaner. Make sure it’s not plugged up and robbing power from your engine by not allowing air to get through.

Take a look at the engine oil. You should check this daily, but if you haven’t, a good time to do it is during your weekly inspection. Also check the fluid itself. Make sure it doesn’t have any contaminants or water in it.

If your battery is not a maintenance-free battery, check to make sure the liquid levels are adequate. Check the cables for corrosion and make sure they aren’t rubbing against the frame components.

Move on to the clutch and brake linkages. When you use a tractor every day, you may

not notice the linkage getting out of adjustment. Make a specific effort to check for free play and other adjustments on that linkage.

Look at your hydraulic reservoir. Make sure the fluid is at the correct level and be sure to change the fluid when needed. Not only does the system provide fluids for remote cylinders, but it is the critical lubricating force in your tractor’s transmission.

Look at tires to make sure they have the proper inflation. Make sure the back of the tractor is clean, especially where the hydraulic hoses are connected, so you don’t get dirt in the system.

These simple procedures can extend the life of your tractors thereby protecting your critical investment.

Watch for Early Alfalfa Weevil Feeding There was a resurgence of alfalfa weevil damage in some parts of Kentucky in 2016, so it is reasonable to be prepared for higher-than-normal feeding on the first cutting in 2017. In addition, the mild winter sets the stage for an earlier-than-normal appearance of this key pest occurring at first cutting. Alfalfa weevils fly to alfalfa fields in the fall and remain there over the winter. They are active only when air temperatures climb above 48oF. Usually, this means

Page 3: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

that females do not begin to lay eggs in live and dead alfalfa stems until spring. Our unseasonably warm winter should mean that many eggs were laid much earlier than normal. Consequently, tip-feeding by the larvae is likely to appear earlier, too. Not only can this catch alfalfa growers off-guard, but plants are smaller and more susceptible to damage by fewer weevils. Field sampling is the most reliable way to assess the need for alfalfa weevil control (see Alfalfa Weevil Field Sampling Program ENTFACT-127). The use of degree day accumulations, average alfalfa stem length, and numbers of weevil larvae on 30 stems collected randomly in the field allows accurate management decisions to be made. For treatment options, come by the office for UK Extension publication Insecticide Recommendations for Alfalfa, Clover, and Pastures ENT-17.

Beef Herd Expansion

Continues

(Article by UK Livestock

Marketing specialist Kenny

Burdine)

USDA’s annual estimate of

the number of cattle in the

US held some surprises this

year. While this report is

typically not a short-term

market mover, it has

considerable implications in

the long-term as we

consider the size of the U.S.

cowherd. It was not

surprising that the US beef

herd grew over the course of

2016, but it did grow at a

rate that exceeded most

expectations. According to

the report, US beef cow

numbers grew by 3.5% from

January 1, 2016 to January

1, 2017. This represents a

little over one-million cows,

after a slight downward

revision to the January 2016

estimate. The immediate

implication is for even more

calves moving through

markets this year than

expected.

Many producers seem

extremely surprised by this

change in national numbers.

Burdine thinks much of that

surprise stems from the fact

that we didn’t see the same

pattern in KY. The USDA

estimate for our state was

very consistent with our

expectations as Kentucky

cow numbers were

relatively flat. However, we

also have to remember that

while Kentucky is home to

more than one-million beef

cows, this only represents

about 3.3% of the US beef

cowherd. Considerable

growth in beef cow numbers

was seen in Texas,

Oklahoma, Missouri,

Nebraska, and Kansas and

this really worked to drive

the national inventory.

Heifer retention provides us

an indication of future herd

growth expectations and

does suggest more moderate

expansion for the current

year. The number of beef

heifers held for

replacements was up by a

little more than 1%.

Ultimately, weather and

profitability at the cow-calf

level will determine where

beef cow numbers go in the

future. While both are

difficult to predict, it is

worth thinking about factors

that will impact calf prices

for 2017.

Let’s start by getting on the

same page about 2016. The

calf market reached a

bottom in late October /

early November with

Medium / Large frame #1-2

steers selling around $120

per cwt on a state average

basis. Obviously, larger

high quality groups did

much better than

this and smaller

groups and

singles did much

worse, but that

should help set

the baseline.

Those same steer calves, in

early February of 2017,

were selling in the low

$130’s on a state average

basis and are very likely to

continue to see price

increases as we move

towards grass this spring.

The seasonal increase in calf

Page 4: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

prices that typically

occurs from fall to

spring is driven by

stocker demand, not a

change in the

fundamentals of the beef

market.

As we think about

expectations for fall

2017, we have to think

about what fundamental

market factors will be

different this year. We

are very likely to see

increases in beef, pork,

and poultry production

for 2017, all of which

will put pressure on fed

cattle prices in the

foreseeable future. This

expectation can be seen

by looking at CME©

Live Cattle futures,

which are currently

trading into April 2018

and suggest declining

fed cattle prices over

this time period. As we

sell feeder cattle in the

future, they will be sold

with an expectation of

lower values at their

eventual harvest, which

will make them less

valuable for placement

into finishing programs.

While I know the

general tone of this

article has not been

encouraging, I have

always preferred a direct

and straightforward

approach.

Barring

something

unexpected,

I don’t think we have

seen the bottom of the

calf market yet. Cost

control and efficiency are

usually keys in these types

of markets. Here are a few

ideas that might be worth

consideration.

First, truly work to

understand your cost per

cow. Leave it to an

economist to start with this

one, but it is impossible to

manage what you don’t

measure. Through tracking

of expenses, producers can

get a feel for what it costs

them to maintain a cow for a

year. Then it is easy to

consider what calf prices

need to be to cover those

costs and leave you with an

acceptable return.

Second, don’t be afraid to

cull hard. With calf markets

as high as they were in 2014

and 2015, it was possible to

justify keeping some poorer

producing cows around. In

the current market, cows

really need to earn their

keep. Additionally,

reducing your stocking rate

has the added benefit of

allowing you to stretch your

grazing season and reduce

your dependence on winter

feed.

Third, consider post-

weaning programs. There

appears to be some premium

right now for weaned and

well managed calves which,

when combined with weight

gain, might make pre-

conditioning programs

attractive. Again, this is one

where you want to push the

pencil, but it is common for

these programs to become

more attractive when there

are more calves on the

market.

About two years ago, we

were talking about how

decisions that we make

during good times have

implications for how we get

through the challenging

times. Here we are already,

talking about challenges.

The decisions that we make

today, will have

implications for us several

years from now. As you

manage your way through

2017, be sure to think about

where you want to be in 3-5

years.

Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife

Workshop

The Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop returns to Kentucky on March 25.

This year’s workshop, a tri-state event covering Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, will be held in the Boone County Cooperative Extension Enrichment Center in Burlington. Forestry experts will provide an array of forestry- and wildlife-related educational sessions to help woodland owners get the most from their properties.

Sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Services of the University of Kentucky, The Ohio State University and Purdue University, as well as the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky State University, the one-day workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Matthew Springer, Doug McLaren, Ellen Crocker, Chad Niman and Laurie Thomas will represent the UK Department of Forestry, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Springer will teach how to identify and control wildlife damage and how to create habitat for cavity-nesting wildlife. Niman and Thomas will lead a session on constructing a

Page 5: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

birdhouse for cavity-preferring backyard birds. McLaren will take the mystery out of tree identification. Crocker’s session on mushroom cultivation will cover the basics from production to marketing and budgeting. She will also join with Abe Nielsen of the Kentucky Division of Forestry to give tips on improving woodland health.

Other concurrent sessions will include such topics as creating a land plan, providing pollinator habitat in backyards, marketing timber, tree planting tips, the importance of oak, managing woodlands for songbirds, identifying and controlling invasive plants, beetles that threaten trees and identifying cavity nesting birds

The Boone County Enrichment Center, 1955 Burlington Pk., is an 80-

minute drive from Lexington. From Lexington take Interstate 75 north to Exit 181, turn left onto Route 237. Follow the Forestry Program signs to the center, which will be on the left. Registration is $45 per person prior to March 10 and $55 after that date. To register, make checks payable to UK Forestry Extension and mail to 216 T. P. Cooper Building, Lexington, KY., 40546-0073 or register online at http://www.tristatewoods.org . More detailed session information also is available on that site.

BUTTERCUPS IN PASTURES

One of the signs that spring has arrived is when yellow buttercups begin to

appear. It will not be long until they appear. It’s during the winter months that the vegetative growth of buttercup actually takes place. As a cool-season weed, this plant often flourishes in over-grazed pasture with poor stands of desirable forages. In fact, many fields that have dense buttercup populations are fields heavily grazed by animals during the fall through the early spring months. Buttercups are sometimes classified as short-lived perennials, but often grow as winter annuals. Plants typically produce five, shiny yellow petals in the early spring. There are four different species of buttercups that may be found in Kentucky: bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and small flower buttercup (Ranunculus arbortivus). Although each of these plants may have somewhat similar flower heads, each of these buttercup species differs somewhat in their vegetative leaf characteristics. New seeds are produced during the time petals are showy. If you wait until after flowers appear, it can be too late to implement control tactics. This is one reason buttercups can survive year to year and new plants emerge each year. Most buttercup plants emerge from seed during the fall or late winter months. Therefore, pasture management practices that improve and promote growth of desirable plants during

these months are the best methods to help compete against the emergence and growth of this plant. Whereas, livestock overgrazing fields during the fall and winter months is one of the main factors that contribute to buttercup problems. You can mow fields or clip plants close to the ground in the early spring before buttercup plants can produce flowers and that may help reduce the amount of new seed produced, but mowing alone will not totally eliminate seed production. For chemical control, herbicides registered for use on grass pastures that contain 2,4-D will effectively control buttercup. Depending on other weeds present products that contain dicamba and 2,4-D (eg. Weedmaster), aminopyralid (eg. ForeFront, Milestone), triclopyr (eg. PastureGard, Crossbow) or metsulfuron (eg. Cimarron) can also be used. However, legumes such as clovers interseeded with grass pastures can be severely injured or killed by these herbicide products. For optimum results apply herbicides in the early spring (February - March) before flowers are observed, when buttercup plants are still small and actively growing. For best herbicide activity, wait until daytime air temperatures are greater than 50 degrees for two to three consecutive days. Consult the herbicide label for

Page 6: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

further information on grazing restrictions, precautions or other possible limitations. For fields heavily infested with buttercup, you may need a variety of control tactics. Apply a herbicide to help reduce the population of buttercup plants in the spring, plus use good pasture management techniques throughout the year to help improve and thicken the stand of desirable forages. Indoor Aquaculture Program

For those interested in learning more about indoor marine shrimp and tilapia production and aquaponics, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will host an aquaculture program Saturday, March 25 at Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture Research Center in Frankfort.

Indoor aquaculture programs are growing in popularity, particularly in urban areas, as people become more interested in local foods. Often, indoor aquaculture systems help bring the products closer to consumers and require less space and water to operate than outdoor pond aquaculture.

The daylong event begins at 9 a.m. EDT. KSU aquaculture specialists will

give an overview of indoor aquaculture production systems as they relate to the production of shrimp and

tilapia and aquaponics. Aquaponics is a mutually beneficial system of tilapia and hydroponically grown vegetables, most commonly leafy greens. Discussions will include permitting, nutrition, crop selection and water quality. A representative from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will discuss marketing opportunities for Kentucky-grown shrimp, tilapia and other aquaponics products. KSU’s Aquaculture Research Center is located at 103 Athletic Drive in Frankfort. Participants may also choose to attend the Indoor Aquaculture Program Reception the day before the program. It is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 24 at Completely Kentucky’s upstairs meeting room. Completely Kentucky is located at 237 W. Broadway St. in Frankfort. The events are free and open to the public. Lunch is provided for the March 25 program. To register for either the program, the reception or both, contact Karla Johnson at 502-597-8106 or [email protected] . For directions and detailed program, visit http://www.ksuaquaculture.org .

WINTER & EARLY SPRING

PRUNING TIPS

As spring approaches, many homeowners begin to think about their yard’s landscape. The winter months can be damaging to trees and shrubs. To ensure healthy spring plants, homeowners may want to prune the trees and shrubs around their home. But do not just prune for the sake of pruning, make sure you have a valid reason for pruning before you begin.

Pruning during the late winter months allows for the removal of damage caused by winter winds and precipitation. The wounds caused by pruning heal most quickly this time of year just as new growth is emerging on the plant.

Pruning also allows removal of diseased, crowded or hazardous branches. When pruning trees, the size of the tree does not need to be reduced too much in one season. Limit the pruning amount to one-fourth of the tree’s volume. Start by thinning out branches by cutting them off close to the tree’s trunk or a large limb.

Leave the base of the branch, known as the collar, intact. Cutting the collar will prevent the plant from growing over the wound caused from pruning. Pruning in this manner allows for a healthy tree that is more open to sunlight and air movement. If the branch is cut back only part way, there will likely be a crowded regrowth of new branches where the cut was made. Do not seal or paint the wounds resulting from pruning because this will only delay the tree’s healing process.

With spring-flowering shrubs, rejuvenation pruning may be needed, and the time to prune is fast approaching. The best time to prune these plants is right after they have flowered. If the shrub is

Page 7: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

pruned before it blooms, the buds have been removed before their flowers were enjoyed. When pruning is done after blooming, the flowers will have been enjoyed, and the plant can recover, grow and produce more buds for flowers next spring.

Rejuvenation pruning removes one-third of the shrub’s oldest growth. This pruning entails selecting the thickest, darkest and unhealthiest stems or branches and cutting them

back. Stems should be cut back to soil level and branches to the point of intersection with the shrub’s main trunk. This ensures that only the youngest, most productive wood (that which produces the most/best flowers) remains a part of the shrub. Shrubs that will bloom during the summer months can also be pruned during the early spring.

Pruning is not limited to a certain time of year. Homeowners can prune at any time if they notice branches and limbs that are damaged either from weather, disease or insects. Pruning is invigorating for the plants in a home landscape so one should not necessarily think of pruning as a means of size control. If you have a plant that has grown out-of-bounds, pruning may not be the answer – you may need to consider replacing the

plant with one that will reach a smaller size at maturity.

Preventing Grass Tetany in Cattle According to University of Kentucky Extension Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Arnold, beef producers with spring calving herds should begin feeding mineral with magnesium now. Grass tetany is a disorder caused by an abnormally low amount of magnesium in the blood of cattle and sheep. Grass tetany occurs most often in animals grazing lush spring forages-- especially small grains and cool-season grasses. Grass tetany is most common in spring calving cows, especially if they are high producers in their third to fifth lactation. Several factors contribute to the increased incidence of tetany at this time. The magnesium requirement of cows doubles from late gestation to early lactation (from 9 grams to 21 to 22 grams). When this rapid change in magnesium needed by the cow is coupled with lowered magnesium in the plant, along with certain components that lower the availability of magnesium (such as high applications of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers), tetany can develop. Weather can also have an effect; the greatest threat is when temperatures are between 40oF and 60oF. Temperatures in excess of 60oF for a week markedly decrease the incidence of tetany. When all of these

factors are combined, the risk can be high. As a producer, you should be concerned with preventing tetany. About 2 ounces of magnesium oxide (22 grams of magnesium) is recommended to meet the magnesium needs of lactating beef cows. Cows grazing spring grass pasture should have magnesium in the mineral mixture; in “high risk” situations, it may be supplied in a supplement. Ag Commissioner Encourages Support of the Ag Tag Fund When you renew your farm

plates – or “ag tags” – you

have the opportunity to make

a voluntary donation to the Ag

Tag Fund to help support and

promote Kentucky agriculture.

Proceeds from the fund are

divided equally among

Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA,

and the Kentucky Department

of Agriculture (KDA), for youth

development and promotional

programs.

Half of the 4-H and FFA funds go back to the county where the tag is purchased. County 4-H councils use the funds for local programming, paying for leadership and citizenship opportunities, funding 4-H camp scholarships, and other uses. FFA chapters receive Ag Tag support in the form of Ag

Page 8: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

(Clark, Madison, Estill, and Powell Counties Participating)

Date: Tuesday March 28th at 6:00 pm

Location: Estill County Extension Service

76 Golden Court, Irvine, KY 40336

Speakers:

Dr. Greg Halich, UK Extension Grain Crops Economist

and Dr. J.D. Green, UK Extension Weeds Specialist

Corn and Soybean market update and 2017 profitability projections

Weed management update for corn and soybeans. Including new

products and herbicide resistance

A meal will be served so please call (606) 723-4557 if you plan to attend so that we have

enough food for everyone.

Special Thanks to our Meal Sponsors:

Riverbottom Crop Service, Irvine

Southern States, Richmond

Tri-County Fertilizer, Richmond

Eric Baker

County Extension Agent for Agriculture/Natural Resources

E-mail: [email protected] County web page: http://estill.ca.uky.edu

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Telephone: 606-723-4557

Page 9: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

Eric Baker

County Extension Agent for Agriculture/Natural Resources

E-mail: [email protected] County web page: http://estill.ca.uky.edu

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Phone: 606-723-4557

Pesticide Applicators Training Session: Aquatic Plant and Algae Control for Kentucky Commercial Pesticide Applicators

Two sessions will be offered and conducted by members of the KSU Aquaculture Extension staff and faculty.

The closest session will be at the Franklin County Extension Office in Frankfort on Friday, March 24th 2017.

Agenda:

10:00 – 10:50 am Aquatic plant identification and biology and related control methods. (1 Cat. 5 CEU) – Introduction and overview or resources - Forrest Wynne

10:50 – 11:40 am How aquatic herbicides control algae and phytoplankton (1 Cat. 5 CEU) – Forrest Wynne

11:40 – 12:40 pm Lunch

12:40 – 1:30 pm How herbicides control vascular aquatic plants (floating, emergent, and submerged) (1 Cat. 5 CEU). Bob Durborow or Kathryn Mitchell

1:30 – 2:20 pm Herbicide application methods (1 general CEU). – Discussed throughout the program.

2:20 – 3:30 pm New aquatic herbicides, understanding pesticide labels, restrictions, and withdrawal periods and record keeping requirements (1 general CEU). Forrest Wynne

3:30 – 4:00 pm Environmental fate of pesticides – Forrest Wynne

Contact: Forrest Wynne, State Extension Specialist for Aquaculture, KSU Cooperative Extension Program, Phone 270-554-9520

Achiever grants, which cover capital improvements in agricultural education facilities and curriculum.

Pasture Fertility Points Good pasture management begins with maintaining good soil fertility to promote the growth of desirable grasses and legumes. Follow these simple guidelines to improve soil fertility and maximize forage growth. Soil sampling: Can be done most of the year, but

early spring and fall are most common

Sample four inches deep

Divide large pastures for sampling purposes

Phosphate, Potash, and Lime: P and K promote

forage growth and longevity, in grass pastures. Lime adjusts the pH of the soil, making other nutrients more available to the plants.

Applications of P, K and lime (and other nutrients) are determined by a soil test and are usually not be needed every year for pastures.

P, K, and Lime can be applied at any time of the year that weather is cooperative

KSU “Third Thursday

Thing”—Goats/Sheep Focus

March 16, 2017 (10 a.m.)

The focus of the day will be on better

business management and funding

opportunities for producers in the

morning. The afternoon program will

have two tracks, one will be Alpaca

and high value fiber marketing and

the other will be on grazing

management.

Location: 1525 Mills Lane, Frankfort,

KY. Call 502-597-6327 for details.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people

regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis

of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief,

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy,

marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental

disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Tim West, UK College of

Agriculture, 859-257-3879; Terry Allen or Patty Bender, UK Office of

Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, 859-257-8927; or the USDA,

Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Bldg., 14th &

Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 (202-720-5961).

Page 10: Estill County Farm Scoop · We will host Ag Agency Update on Monday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. Several agencies have been asked to provide information on programs

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